RCMP identify the four officers killed in grow-op bust
Canadian Press
March 4, 2005
MAYERTHORPE, Alta. (CP) -- "Our hearts go out to you.â ?
The sign posted outside Mayerthorpe high school Friday summed up how people in this small rural community were dealing with the shooting deaths of four RCMP officers.
In a news release, the RCMP identified the four constables as Peter Christopher Schiemann, Anthony Fitzgerald Orion Gordon, Lionide Nicholas Johnston and Broack Warren Myrol.
Students at the school wore red ribbons and the school held a moment of silence to honour the Mounties.
The officers died Thursday while conducting a raid on a marijuana grow operation on a farm in the nearby community of Rochfort Bridge.
"There has been a terrible tragedy in our community,â ? said principal Carolyn Jensen as she read a statement into the school's public address system.
"Four RCMP officers who dedicated themselves to protecting citizens gave their lives to make our community a safer place.â ?
Outside the school, students talked among themselves about the tragedy.
"It is a terrible thing. We just had a car accident a little while ago and we got to know a lot of the cops. They helped us out,â ? said Catlin Trynchy, 16.
"They are all really good people. It is a shame.â ?
Police say it's the worst such massacre to strike their service since the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.
The shooter, identified by police as 46-year-old James Roszko, was also found dead at the scene.
Later Friday, the RCMP were expected to release more information about the shootings and the slain officers.
There were other signs of support in the town northwest of Edmonton.
At one point, a number of people gathered in front of the local RCMP detachment headquarters as the mournful skirl of a bagpipe playing Amazing Grace hung in the air.
Tracy Eisert, who used to serve the slain Mounties fast food at the local Burger Baron, wept as she carried a vase of flowers to the detachment.
"I served these gentlemen where I work and I wanted to say thank you,â ? she said.
"I'm confused, scared. Scared for the families.â ?
Eisert said the suspected shooter was a violent and dangerous man who was feared in the community.
"I hope he rots in hell for what he has done to our community. He ruined our town.â ?
Other residents placed roses at the base of the flags flying in front of the detachment. One woman placed four stuffed toys -- an elephant, a zebra and two teddy bears at the makeshift memorial.
In a note she said the animals are her daughter's favourite toys.
"The prayers of my little family are with the fallen officers,â ? the note said.
"God please watch over all the police officers all over the world.â ?
Mayerthorpe Mayor Albert Schalm said it will take time for the community to get through the tragedy.
He said words of support were pouring in from across Canada and around the world.
"There is a lot of grief and a lot of tears shed,â ? he said. "The tremendous support we are receiving really helps us, knowing we don't have to deal with this alone.â ?
Schalm declined to respond to questions about Roszko.
© Canadian Press 2005
